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kato's avatar
kato
Member
14 years ago

Finding my way

Hi, I am 43. Diagnosed in November, lumpectomy and sentinel node in December which came back positive. Waiting for full lymph removal in a week and then wait and see.

I love reading everyone's comments.I am married with 3 children (21,18 & 11).

You all seem so positive and have been through so much.  I feel scared and unsure and have gained strength from reading others stories.

Kylie

 

8 Replies

  • Hi there,

    I am 41 and have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer on January 11. I underwent surgery for a lumpectomy and removal of sentinel node and one additional lymph node on January 13.

    Whilst the lypmh nodes came back clear, unfortunately my margin was not clear so I am scheduled for round two of surgery this coming Friday.

    Whilst things seem to be moving along quite quickly in relation to diagnosis, surgery, results and then further surgery, I am experiencing alot of anxiety and my appetite has disappeared. Has anyone else experienced this?

    I have a 16 month old baby boy who thankfully, doesnt seem to know what is going on, but I feel sad about the impending Chemotherapy and that I may not be able to enjoy him as much as I would like to. Add to this, the thought of my Chemotherapy treatment and side effects scares me.

    I feel as though the mornings are the hardest and I constantly need to remind myself to think positive and return my self to a moderate state of calmness.

    Today is my first day of joining this network and I must say, after reading your posts of support and reassurance, I am beginning to feel stronger and "I will get through this".

    Does someone have tips or strategies on dealing with anxiety they could share please?

    Thanking you all in advance

    Suex

     

     

  • Hi there,

    I am 41 and have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer on January 11. I underwent surgery for a lumpectomy and removal of sentinel node and one additional lymph node on January 13.

    Whilst the lypmh nodes came back clear, unfortunately my margin was not clear so I am scheduled for round two of surgery this coming Friday.

    Whilst things seem to be moving along quite quickly in relation to diagnosis, surgery, results and then further surgery, I am experiencing alot of anxiety and my appetite has disappeared. Has anyone else experienced this?

    I have a 16 month old baby boy who thankfully, doesnt seem to know what is going on, but I feel sad about the impending Chemotherapy and that I may not be able to enjoy him as much as I would like to. Add to this, the thought of my Chemotherapy treatment and side effects scares me.

    I feel as though the mornings are the hardest and I constantly need to remind myself to think positive and return my self to a moderate state of calmness.

    Today is my first day of joining this network and I must say, after reading your posts of support and reassurance, I am beginning to feel stronger and "I will get through this".

    Does someone have tips or strategies on dealing with anxiety they could share please?

    Thanking you all in advance

    Suex

     

     

  • Hi Kylie Hope things are going well for you. I'm now on day 4 of my chemo cycle and just wanted to let you know I have found it a little challenging but doable. The first night was the worst with no sleep at all, nausea, reflux and a fast heart rate. If I had of called the 24hr cancer care hotline at my hospital the lovely nurse would of reassured me the heart rate was a normal reaction to one of the drugs for nausea. I didn't want to call on my first night but should have. Sleep is still my big issue. I've managed about 2.5 hours but now my mind seems to become active just as I begin to doze. Fighting it isn't wrking so I read, play solitaire and wait. During the day I'm a little tired but managing to still do my normal things. Visited my parents for lunch, went to shops etc. Cooking dinner has been a little difficult due to nausea but my kids have stepped in. Chemo was the part of my journey that frightened me most. Even more than my bilateral mastectomy and clearance. Hope this reassures you that you will find that strength to get through each step of your journey. Take care of yourself, ask for help and accept offers. Lastly remember the chemo kills the cancer cells but it can't kill your sense of humor and with that you will find a reason to smile each day. Melinda xxx
  • Thanks everyone for your replies.

    They found and removed a satellite tumour when they did my lumpectomy, it had clear margins also. 

    Anyone else had this happen?

    thanks, Kylie

  • Hi Katie Welcome. I just wanted to let you know I had a bilateral mastectomy in Nov then bilateral axillary clearance on 1st Dec. I have full movement in both my arms and have just gone back to my personal trainer. Before my surgery I heard some stories that had me incredibly uptight about my surgeries. You will surprise yourself at how well you cope. Take each day at a time. Accept help. Put yourself first. Laugh lots. There are many amazing supportive ladies here ready to take your hand and walk the journey with you. Reach out and take their hands. You will be amazed at how it helps. Take care Melinda xx
  • Hi Kato

    I too was 43 when diagnosed with 3 kids then 10,12,&14 in 2003. Underwent surgery,including axillary clearence, chemo & radio plus a few other bits and bobs. Today life is good! Still have a few 'hangover' minor glitches but hey thats ok. BCNA was in its infancy then and wow has it progressed. It is a fabulous network with so much to offer. I am glad you are using it! Take Care and keep in touch :) hugs jo

  • bummer, about the diagnosis, but as Leonie says we are all here for you, and a wealth of information, hints and tips are also here by some of the best and bravest women. and just remember all our journeys are different with tratments, but we all seem to go through the same thoughts and fears, and the first few months are scarey, but once you know the plan of attack, you will start to see things happening, it becomes a bit easier,  so please keep comming back and let us know how you are doing, and don;t be scared to ask about anything that is worrying you, or you just want to know about, no questions are stupid on here, and in a few months, you will be on this side, and helping others who are where you are now.  Take Care Moira X

     

  • Welcome to our "pink sister" site.  This is the best place.  We all are so supportive of each other because we "understand".  Please don't ever feel alone as there is always someone to "chat" with and get answers from.  Knowing that there are others who have been through the bc treatments - and survived - is a great comfort.  Please grab the knowledge that is so abundant on this site.  I am pleased to see that you also have family to support you on this "rollercaster ride". XLeonie